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Marcus King, the iconic southern rocker and frontman of the Marcus King Band, has spoken candidly about his journey to sobriety and how it has impacted his life. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, King shared how he has gained a new level of clarity and confidence since giving up alcohol.
King, 29, admitted that he used to rely on alcohol in social situations, but now he sees it as a "lubricant elixir" that made interactions easier, but ultimately led to a "miserable way of living." He said, "I just have something in me that's broken to the point that I can't drink because I'm always trying to suppress something."
Although he acknowledged that socializing without alcohol can be challenging, King likened it to "exposure therapy," saying, "It's been more or less like exposure therapy, going and talking to people without a drink." He added that he doesn't miss drinking, as it became unsustainable and miserable.
King has been an advocate for sober living and has supported initiatives like 1 Million Strong, which aims to destigmatize addiction and recovery. He believes in creating a safe space for sober individuals to enjoy concerts and social events without feeling alienated.
In addition to his advocacy, King is excited about his music, with new projects in the works, including an upcoming album by the end of 2025. The album will feature two newly released singles, "Carolina Honey" and "Honky Tonk Hell," the latter of which confronts his sobriety journey head-on.
King's music and advocacy have inspired many, and his story serves as a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
Read more about Marcus King's journey to sobriety and his music here.